Seriously, in 3 years, you're going to pay an extra $100 for a fare just because it says Continental? There are plenty of people here that are already willing to switch programs every year to maximize their benefits from the airlines and they aren't truly, "loyal," they're merely trying to maximize their benefit every year. Similarly, Continental is trying to run a for-profit airline and it has to put consistent profits above some vague claims about loyalty from people that are happy to become elites at another airline in 2 weeks if that airline will offer a status match.